The world’s deepest swimming pool may not be on Key Biscayne, but it’s been visited by a Key resident or two since its inception. Belgium’s Nemo 33 in Brussels took seven years to complete and consists of a submerged structure with flat platforms at various depths. The pool has 2.5 million liters of non-chlorinated, filtered spring water heated by solar panels. The pool’s central circular pit descends to 108 feet, with flat-bottomed areas at depths 16 and 32 feet. Besides serving as a worldwide attraction, the pool is used for scientific research, film production and diving instruction. To schedule a tour, go to Nemo33.com.
Blue Revolution
The University of Miami’s RSMAS on Virginia Key is at the forefront of the rise of aquaculture with its Sea Secrets series. Worldwide, aquaculture is a $70 billion industry that contributes almost half the seafood consumed, yet the U.S. produces only about three percent of this, leading to a seafood trade deficit of more than $8 billion per year. Dr. Daniel Benetti, chair of the RSMAS division of marine affairs and policy and director of the school’s aquaculture program, recently presented a lecture on the “Blue Revolution” that showcased his travels around the world speaking with governments and organizations about this important economic and environmental management topic. During his presentation, he discussed cutting-edge technologies that are being used to grow species such as cobia, tuna, snapper and yellowtail jacks, and how scientists are working hard to develop methods that are environmentally safe and sustainable. Seafood anyone?
Love Sparks?
Q:I’m starting to lose the passion that used to be a major part of my 15-year marriage. Although work and charities take up a lot of our time during the week, my husband and I are at home together most nights and on the weekends, but we tend to drown ourselves in our respective hobbies instead of interacting with one another. What can I do to bring the sparks back without making him feel inadequate or coming across too confrontational? Are we doomed?
A:Keeping the spark in a marriage is not easy. It requires constant dedication like anything else that’s important. I constantly receive phone calls from couples just like you, who begin to find interest in other areas in their life and that’s wonderful. Hobbies, friends and community services are important, but if you want to stay happily married and grow old together, your relationship needs constant attention. If both of you are spending less time together, you may slowly grow apart. Here’s some advice to consider:
• Talk about what’s important to both of you
• Spend intimate time together regardless of disagreements
• Do things you used to do back when you were dating
• Find somehow every day to genuinely communicate affection and appreciation toward each other
• Kiss, hold and touch in the morning and before bedtime
› Lisette N. Beraja of Beraja Counseling Center is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 10 years of experience working with children, adults, couples and families. If you have a question you’d like answered in a future edition of Key Biscayne Magazine, email it to [email protected]. Due to high volume, we will not be able to respond to all submissions. All names will be withheld to ensure the privacy of our readers.
“The whole point of living in paradise is to enjoy a comfortable, lazy life.”
— Cecil Day-Lewis
165 feet
The longest length of a man-of-war tentacle ever found off the waters of Key Biscayne.
Flipper Filming
Everyone’s favorite dolphin filmed several episodes of his show at Jimbo’s in Virginia Key.
Lizard Rain
Term for when iguanas fall out of trees at Bill Baggs when it gets too cold. They’re not dead, just hibernating.
